Virtual Assistance - The ‘Good Morning Portugal!’ Podcast Episode 43

An episode of Carl Munson

Host & Producer of the 'Good Morning Portugal!' and Pure Portugal podcasts, I'm a community radio presenter with nearly 30 years of experience - pirate, community FM, RSL & Internet. Also festival MC and compère, now living in and loving Portugal.

#astrology, #carlmunson, #finance, #ianaltosaar, #money, #stories
Kicking off a new podcast series - 'New Stories' - it was great to hear from Ian Altosaar in Estonia, who brings finance and astrology together in one fascinating service: the Mystical Money Machine.
Both money and astrology are subjects riddled with collective stories, many rooted in fear and ignorance. In this conversation, we open up the narratives to include abundance, cosmic assistance and collaboration.
Find Ian at: https://ianaltosaar.com

#calmness, #clarity, #ease, #meditation, #stress
Get Clear (in your mind) (-:
An introduction to meditation for the Get Clear, Get Organised & Get Going programme (join our Facebook group).
Includes information about Carl's approach to meditation and some practice - so find a comfy place and do not drive or fly a plane etc, when listening to this!

#arthritis, #essentialoils, #fybromyalgia, #gavhughes, #health, #takingresponsibility, #wisdom
A great New Year's Eve chat with the extraordinary Gav Hughes who's overcome chronic illness by using essential oils, educating himself and taking responsibility for his health.
In this interview we find out about Gav's turn-around, what he thinks should be taught in schools, and why people have a problem with network marketing.
Contains some sage wisdom and insight throughout, and to finish, straight from the heart...

#conspiracies, #conspiracytheories, #davidicke, #happiness, #icke, #joy, #meadowhall
Some early morning musings on David Icke, conspiracy theories and the two approaches to human happiness - cult and occult.

#bbc, #change, #control, #eu, #regulation, #socialintelligence, #tech, #transformation
Has ‘Tech’ become darker and muddier in 2018?
"Over these 12 months our relationship with tech has both been darker and more muddy because it becomes increasingly clear that all the bright and shiny positive potentials of tech are at the risk of being darkened by forced misuse of data, manipulation, supervision, no respect of the citizen, no respect of individual rights," says Margrethe Vestager the EU's Competition Commissioner.
Commissioner Vestager, interviewed by Baroness Lane-Fox - a board member of Twitter and guest editor of this morning's Today radio programme on BBC Radio 4 - added that “while dismantling companies had served Brussels well in the past, the speed at which changes occurred in the tech sector made it a less appropriate response”.
“Instead,” Vestager said, “the commission might look at how larger firms got access to data and resources in a bid to limit their power.”
But will this really be the best solution? Isn’t this model how we’ve found ourselves in such a pretty pass? One that features giant corporations whose overwhelming power is barely matched by that of the bureaucrats, who we vainly hope might control them?
Greater regulation and centralised government are ruled out here in our latest ‘ONversation’, where OurNet CEO Michael Brodie suggests: “Fiddling around with data protection is just whistling into the wind.”
In our conversation, he asks the question: “Do we want to organise ourselves in a way that encourages people to push the boundaries and succeed extremely well by manipulating and using each other? Or do we want to start to reconsider the fundamental rules that we have?”
For us at OurNet it’s back to the fundamental rules of ‘social intelligence’, not more of the status quo and standard way of competition and fear. The latter doesn’t seem to be working, and is actually the perfect recipe for a ‘dark and muddy’ Internet.
Clearly, we need to change the way the system currently works; a system which rewards us when we misuse each other. We need a fundamental and systemic transformation that deals with the ‘split personality’ discussed in the podcast. We need to address how and why our sense of competitiveness is allowed to undermine our wish to care for, and support, each other.
“What we know gives us satisfaction is connection with, and support of, other people”, says Michael Brodie who would rather see a ‘cult of care and support’ than the Internet’s pervasive cult of egocentricity, individualism and polarised opinion.
That said, he does however believe that people are truly trying to do their best, however mis-guided their behaviour seems to be. A sentiment shared by Martha Lane-Fox who agrees that “everyone is trying to do their best and make things work”.
“There is an increasing awareness of the fact that we really need to do something and to do that together,” she added.
‘Together’ is surely the key to any successful shift in a socially intelligent’ society that wishes to be enlightened and arise from the mud. And together, let’s co-create a happy and prosperous 2019 with a brighter, less murky Internet...
Original BBC article:

#carlmunson, #chriswhite, #comingout, #gay, #masculinity, #ritesofpassage
In a time of crisis for male identity and when rites of passage and growing up are optional, does the potentially terrifying ordeal of coming out give gay men character-building access to personal power?
Really looking forward to talking to my friend Chris White about this and his personal insight from the process for my podcast...

#bbcradiodevon, #closure, #hannahs, #seale-hayne
Talking about the latest 'restructuring' at Hannahs, Seale-Hayne on BBC Radio Devon this morning.
I was asked to be less ranty and more practical in this context, so not so much of the bankers and careerists - more about my prognosis and memories...

TDiO Founder Carl Munson talks to life-long friend 'Jonny' about the can of worms that is masculinity and what it is to be a man in our times.
Did he say "movies"? Or "boobies"?
Expect frank discussion about parenting, affection, being a father, crying, work, identity, culture, gender roles, stereotypes, suicide, competition, celebrity, penises, moisturizing and, eventually, the most interesting point made here: what is the biggest, best or first thing you should say to another man?
#iamnotincompetitionwithyou #affection, #competition, #crying, #culture, #fatherhood, #gender, #identity, #moisturizing, #parenting, #penises, #roles, #stereotypes, #suicide, #work

If you want to 'make social media great again', you can give Carl Munson of OurNet's 5-day, self-led programme here - https://www.facebook.com/groups/ournetinteractive/learning_content/
This audio diary is Carl's own check-ins during his own commitment to the process.

What’s the difference between a Freguesia, Camara and Município?
I’ve little or no idea! But it is becoming clearer as we progress our residency.
Glad to hear your views, and about your progress, based on the notes shared here...
#bureacracy, #citizenship, #portugal, #portuguese, #residency

Let’s come together and go back to the country!
Pre-meeting in Penela, where I’m hoping to progress the Rural Coworking idea, improve communication and be a resource to Portuguese rural communities and their regeneration...
#community, #economy, #portugal, #portuguese, #villages

Wow! Our 50th episode and one where I was hoping to share the tranquility of the valley where we live.
A true sonic taste of rural life in Portugal? Well yes, but not as I intended...
#cat, #cock, #dog, #portugal, #vocabulary

As 600,000 marched in London today, it would be remiss of me NOT to discuss it.
With 400,000 Portuguese in UK, and an undisclosed number of Brits in Portugal, UK Ambassador is in the case, and getting busy!
Thanks to the www.theportugalnews.com for their coverage...
#brexit, #chrissainty, #portugal, #portuguese, #uk

Of course, olives had to feature at some point!
With great help from a lovely blog - 'Portugal Untouched' - and the history of olive growing here.
More: https://portugaluntouched.wordpress.com/
#olives, #portugal, #portuguese, #untouchedportugal, #vocabulary

Some call it ‘daytime TV’. I call it an introduction to Portuguese culture, vocabulary and colloquial language.
Homeschool for kids and parents alike, has never been so entertaining!
#portugal, #portuguese, #television, #tv, #vocabulary

The first recording since I officially gave up having bad moods on 11th October, 2018.
It's a hilarious effort that includes cats, crying children and the smell of smoke, which is can be a concern in rural Portugal!
#freedom, #liberation, #meditation, #moods, #stopbeingatwat

#bakedbeans, #community, #hemp, #lusicanna, #podcast, #portugal, #pureportugal, #tamera
For those of you who like a longer-form, immersive experience, here's the Pure Portugal omnibus podcast - Episode 4 - which brings together recent weekly episodes that have looked at: progressive community living, cooperative hemp growing and the sweet, orange comfort food known as baked beans.
As ever your feedback is welcome, so do drop me a line to carl@carlmunson.com
---
As it’s been said, if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
One intentional community that chose to ‘go together’ some 40 years ago, kicks off Episode 4, namely 'Tamera' - based in Portugal’s Alentejo region, on an impressive and innovative 335-acre site, addressing such big issues as:
How will humanity live in the future?
How can we as humanity resolve the crises we’ve caused and survive on Earth?
Can this planet become the paradise it is meant to be?
Hear Head of Tamera's Global Campus Vera Kleinhammes' on this recording and find out more about their inspiring and amazing research, education and outreach at www.tamera.org
---
The second segment of the podcast arose from this post in the Pure Portugal Facebook Group:
"It is done! The Lusicanna cooperative (for the production of industrial hemp in Portugal) was founded yesterday, August 24th in In the sweltering heat of a typical Alentejo summer day in Serpa. The six founders are currently producing hemp in Alentejo, Algarve and Castelo Branco area."
"One of our main goals is to enable as many farmers as possible to join this exciting market. If you are interested in becoming part of the emerging hemp industry in Portugal, keep tabs on Lusicanna! We will be open for new members starting next season!"
Hear Carl Munson in conversation with Jurgen of the Lusicanna Co-operative about their launch, the long-term strategy, and the outstanding potential benefits that industrial and medicinal hemp growing could offer towards rural regeneration in Portugal.
More at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1971620359760859/

With grateful thanks to Ana Neto for her help on this extended episode (as well as her excellent support in the past on our Portuguese adventure) that gives us an insight into Portugal's North-South divide and some unlikely, but fascinating vocabulary.
Discover the delights of a meat sandwich covered in cheese and orange sauce, the origins of hand-knitted woollen socks, and an apathetic fellow who needs a little encouragement...
You can contact Ana about her professional, 'virtual PA' services via: ananeto1@gmail.com
#northsouthdivide, #portugal, #portuguese, #virtualassistant, #vocabulary

A little bit of mundane vocabulary on the face of Storm Leslie, who is due in Central Portugal after Midnight, tonight!
#battendownthehatches #portugal, #portuguese, #stormleslie, #vocabulary, #warning

Live from Adela Encosta da Criveira, in the company of ‘Rural Smart; Rural HIESE’ whose Penela conference is kicking off in style...
My love of rural Portugal has reached new heights!
#penela, #portugal, #portuguese, #ruralregeneration, #vocabulary

Information today about paying with plastic in Portugal, notably two cards that I’ve used Revolut and Wirex.
Both have a crypto-currency capability which some may be interested in, others horrified by!
This is NOT financial advice!
#cards, #portugal, #portuguese, #revolut, #wirex

Featuring a cast of cats, cockerels and passing cars, this is a slightly unusual GMP episode - a guided meditation for expats, settlers and travelers who may feel the need to relax on a sometimes challenging journey...
#guided-meditation, #meditacao, #meditation, #portugal, #portuguese

Some essential vocabulary here, but what’s the correct time to say these vital words in your daily life in Portugal?
With help from the Pure Portugal group on Facebook, we have a definitive answer, possibly...
#dia, #noite, #portugal, #portuguese, #tarde

Like a horse and carriage or bread and butter, when in Portugal, don’t be surprised to see the pairing of Tremoço beans with your cold beer.
Extraordinarily, and thankfully, they are also blessed with a range of health benefits, which you can hear about here...
#culture, #lupini, #portugal, #portuguese, #tremoços

There comes a time when email and text give way to some old school postage.
Here the do’s, don’t’s and even how to queue when encountering the Portuguese postal service...
#mail, #portugal, #portuguese, #post, #vocabulary

Back in Aveiro, where of all things, we hung out with alpacas!
Some Aveiro info, alpaca info and the Portuguese for wool, naturally.
We love this place 😍
#alpacas, #aveiro, #portugal, #portuguese, #wool

Beautiful Sao Martinho do Porto, on Portugal’s Silver Coast, is the star of today’s show.
This podcast includes a restaurant review, and the sound of the sea for your listening pleasure, plus a little bit if seaside vocab...
#portugal, #portuguese, #silvercoast, #smdp, #vocabulary

Portugal’s beaches are awesome and legendary, including the many river beaches.
Characteristically abundant and understated, the ‘praia fluvial’ are a delight, including today’s Portuguese place of interest and recording location - Agroal.
#agroal, #portugal, #portuguese, #river, #riverbeach

A wonderful and impromptu night at the (Israel Modesto's) circus in Ansiao, that was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
A bit of circus-based vocabulary for you, and the good news that it was animal-free, genuinely-thrilling and a great way to immerse ourselves in language and culture.
In our minds, we can still recall the roar of the grease-paint and the smell of the crowd!
#acrobata, #circus, #clown, #language, #portugal, #portuguese, #ringmaster, #vocabulary

A successful visit to the midwife this morning, therefore a little report on having an independent home birth in Portugal.
Plus some associated vocabulary with the help - and integral appearance of Mrs. Munson - and cameo from Munson Junior-to-be to start the show...
#childbirth, #midwife, #portugal, #portuguese, #pregnancy

A quick trip to the supermarket, including some vocabulary for those basic items, plus a few insights into the business of shopping in Portugal.
With additional insight into special dietary requirements and animal welfare.
#portugal, #portuguese, #shopping, #supermarket, #vocabulary

A fulfillingly fruity foray today, after a homeschool outing looking for figs.
So fruit-based vocab and the Portuguese word for ‘scrumping’ all here...
#chinchada, #fruit, #portugal, #portuguese, #scrumping

Just off the phone to Barclays in UK for this episode, trying to unlock my own access to my own money!
Financial vocabulary and words of warning when changing phones, apps and getting access to your DINHEIRO when in Portugal.
#money #language #portugal #vocabulary #banking

Autumn kicks in, in the early hours of tomorrow (Sunday) morning, not that we'd recognise it here!
Thanks to The Portugal News for the tip off, which has inspired our seasons-based vocabulary today...
#autumn, #equinox, #portugal, #portuguese, #seasons

What was going to be a brief guide to bureaucracy, with a visit to our local ‘Junta Freguesia’, turned into a stunning day out in Dornes.
A place of historical interest and natural beauty, Dornes is a must-visit destination, and will be well featured on our photo page too.
Very random vocabulary selection contained herein and another blast of ‘Sao Martinho’ syndrome...
#castelodobode, #dornes, #juntafreguesia, #portugal, #portuguese

Wow, it's been a year! A quick, though slightly extended, round-up from the whole tour team after an anniversary meal at a local restaurant, including a customary bit of vocabulary and things that make you go: "Yum!"
As well as Mrs M's insight, we're also blessed by the thoughts of Digby, 6, and Minnie, 2.
#adventure, #anniversary, #language, #portugal, #portuguese

The shadow of Brexit has finally fallen over the Good Morning Portugal podcast! Mrs Munson is in attendance again, helping with the vocabulary, personal opinions and preparing for the reality of being a UK expat in Portugal...
#brexit, #eu, #language, #portugal, #portuguese

Is Grandma Soup like Shepherds' Pie, but with no shepherds in it, just grandma? And how do you deposit 200 Euros in a Portuguese bank? These and other questions answered here with vocabulary, personal experience and a taste of Portuguese life with the widely-approved addition of Mrs Munson...
#avo, #banking, #grandma, #portugal, #portuguese

In this upbeat, conversational interview, find out more about Radical Honesty with CEO John Rosania, in my latest 'Communities for a World that Works' (radically honest) piece for OurNet.
Listen and learn how to bring more honesty and authenticity in to YOUR life and community, and find out more about John, and Radical Honesty, here: https://www.radicalhonesty.com/john-rosania
#authenticity, #communication, #community, #honesty, #johnrosania, #parents, #radicalhonesty

Welcome to this, the second episode of The Pure Portugal Podcast with Carl Munson, host and producer of this deeper monthly delve into Living the Good Life in Portugal.
Thank you to everyone who listened to and shared episode one - thanks for listening, please keep spreading the word and do send any feedback or requests you have marked for Carl’s attention, to: team@pureportugal.co.uk
For the latest news on property, rentals and holidays in Portugal, please go to: www.pureportugal.co.uk where you'll find a wealth of information and resources about creating your dream life in this wonderful country.
Day to day, why not dip into the Facebook group – ‘Pure Portugal, Living the Good Life’, where there's always plenty of news, views and discussion among our community of over 19,000.
OK, so let's dive into the June 2018 edition of this podcast, which has the overwhelming theme of pioneering and inspiring women, who share their stories of creating a life in Portugal...

Recently re-settled in central Portugal, Carl Munson hosts this, the third Pure Portugal podcast. A Summer Special going with the Portuguese flow with a leisurely two month production schedule for this one podcast featuring an off-grid, renewable and sustainability theme.
We hear from a grid skipping homesteader – Owen of Arrochela Farm - who first discovered his dream home through Pure Portugal, and now lives an enviable lifestyle enjoying the fruits of Mother Nature in just about every sense.
There’s a bit of an exclusive, as we unveil to the world Francois Cram’s 'Le Cram eco-shower' or ‘duche solar’! A blue print for low-impact cleanliness.
Ana PT’s Portuguese Language lesson features some renewables-related vocabulary, as well as discussing the weather - HOT weather - and what to say on the phone, especially after you’ve said “Ola”!
Just like Monsieur Cram, thinker and do-er Will Thomson offers himself as a resource to the community, and shares his views on the practicalities

In this, the first podcast:
The 'Pure Portugal Podcast Profile' with Louisa and Carl Munson - www.carlmunson.com
The 'do’s and don’ts' of planning and building a Tiny Home with Raphael Jeronimo - http://www.ecositana.pt/
An introductory Portuguese language lesson with Anna PT - https://www.facebook.com/PTlessonswithANAPT/
Find out more about the new French website and how its hosts are enjoying life in Portugal - www.purportugal.fr
'What's Growing in YOUR Garden' with Ruan Austin in Sophie Kempin’s back garden - https://www.facebook.com/quintadoscovoes/
---
All roads lead to: http://www.pureportugal.co.uk
http://www.pureportugalholidays.com
http://www.pureportugal.co.uk/services-directory/
http://www.pureportugal.co.uk/courses-events/
---
The Pure Portugal Podcast is shared as information and entertainment - it is not intended as, and should not be a substitute for, professional advice.